The old descriptive but vague terms of "excellent with distinction" and "continuous improvement" are gone.

Ohio's remade report cards toss out the familiar rating system.

They are replaced with an A through F grading system in nine separate areas.

The new system is being touted as more accurate. But as with any change, there's also confusion.

The report cards offer a clearer picture of systems' strong and weak points dealing with all kinds of students.

Some traditionally top-rated systems were chagrined to see D's and F's.

The state says most parents have seen A through F systems most of their own lives and understand the ranking.

But districts are concerned about the lack of an overall grade.

How should parents and taxpayers regard the new rankings?

How will this result in improvements?

With nine letter grades, which ones should parents focus on?

Which is better a district that ranks strongly on tests, but barely improves or one that still performs poorly but is doing better?

And what does the state expect from the new Cleveland Schools transformation plan?

WKYC's Tom Beres, Democratic former Mayor of Shaker Heights Judy Rawson and Republican former State Representative Matt Dolan discuss these issues with State School Superintendent Dr. Richard Ross on this edition of Between the Lines.